28 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 71

This psalmist is an older person who has had a life of connection with God.  The psalm is of praise and a plea for deliverance from personal enemies. The psalmist promises to use music to proclaim God and praise God.

Numbers 21: 10 – 35

The Israelites continue their journey and the text include quotes from ancient poems. They ask permission to pass through other territory and are denied. But those rulers send forces against the Israelites. The Israelites defeat them and take possession of their lands and towns.

John 15: 1 – 11

Jesus compares himself to a grapevine. He is the true vine and God the vine grower. Like a vine grower God cuts off branches that bear no fruit and prunes the rest so that the next harvest is full. We have been cleansed and are part of Jesus’s vine. We need to stay connected to the rootstock to be able to bear fruit. A branch removed cannot bear fruit – and usually gets thrown in a fire.  We need to stay connected to Jesus.

If we stay connected then our prayers will be answered, we will be disciples, bear fruit and our lives will glorify God.

As God loves Jesus so Jesus loves us. We are to continue to live in that love. As Jesus loves God and keeps the commandments so we are to love Jesus. Jesus tells us this so that we may experience his joy and that our joy will be complete.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Galahs* joyous on a power pole Eucla WA
2014  L Osburn

Great producer of rich and sweet fruit, you have given us your Son so that we can be grafted on to him and made part of him to bear fruit for your glory wherever we are in this world. We know that when we are grafted into your love we need fear nothing. Today guide us and keep us in your love, help us make choices that obey your commandments so that we may experience complete joy in you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 99

This psalm uses the theme God is king. God is a just ruler and steadfastly supports those who follow the commandments. God responds to wrongdoing. It is right to tremble at great greatness of God and to worship him.

Isaiah 63: 7 – 14

Isaiah recounts what God has done for Israel and how she rebelled. He demonstrates God’s steadfast love and direct presence with the people. God was right with them. God led them, gave them rest and is glorified.

Colossians 2: 20 – 3: 4

Paul challenges the Colossians asking if with Christ they are disconnected from other powers why are living as if those powers have influence? Why are they putting strictures on their behaviour: don’t handle, don’t taste don’t touch? This self-imposed piety seems like a good idea but does not stop self-indulgence.

If we are raised in Christ then we are to focus on Christ not how we appear on the earth. If we focus on Christ when he comes we will appear in glory.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Eucalypt Torndirup National Park WA
2014  L Osburn

Our forever, magnificent and steadfast God, you gave us your came to use, taught us, lead us and died for us. We give you thanks and praise. This evening, as we reflect on this day and bring it to you may we do so gently and not critically, knowing that you are merciful, just and forgiving, love us and want us to be with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

* Galah is also Australian slang for a loveable fool. These birds got my attention and made me laugh. They were like Kath and Kim "Look at me! Look at me!"